AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Thursday, Austin City Council is expected to vote on a plan that would guide the city's Animal Services Office over the next five years. The strategic plan will address issues previously brought forward in reviews of the city-run shelter. “In alignment with out commitmen t to animal welfare and serving the residents of the City of Austin and unincorporated Travis County, the plan outlines six key focus areas: Humane Care, Spay & Neuter, Open Intake, Live Release, Public Health & Safety, and Staff & Volunteers," the plan says. "Hopefully we will make the kind of progress we've needed to make, this is one of those issues that I have felt like we have been behind on," Austin Mayor Kirk Watson said. Watson said he's had conversations with relevant parties about whether expanding the footprint of the Austin Animal Center belongs in the 2026 comprehensive bond package the city is working to send to voters in November of next year. "Either improving the facility we're at, growing the facility we're at or having other facilities -- or both," Watson said. Chief Animal Services Officer Don Bland -- who played a central role in putting the strategic plan together -- has been on administrative leave since Friday, March 7. Deputy Chief Animal Services Officer Jason Garza is currently serving as Acting Chief Animal Services Officer. Don Bland, head of Austin Animal Center, on administrative leave Garza indicated the city still intends to move forward with the strategic plan despite Bland’s absence. “Staff recommends adoption of the ASO’s Strategic Plan which incorporates friendly amendments from the Animal Advisory Commission,” Garza wrote in a memo to council and the mayor. “ASO will work with the City Manager’s Office, ASO staff, Animal Advisory Commission, and community partners to develop a path forward to achieve the goals and implement the plan.” ...read more read less